Treatments for Stroke

Treatment depends on the type and severity of your stroke. The goals of treatment are to restore blood flow, minimize damage, and prevent another stroke. Time is the most important element of treatment in decreasing the amount of brain damage of any stroke. If you suspect a stroke call for emergency medical services immediately. Emergency services can begin some treatment before reaching the hospital.

For ischemic stroke, clot-busting medication can open blood vessel and restore blood flow to the brain. The increased blood flow can decrease or prevent damage to the affected areas of the brain. The earlier the medication is delivered the better the outcomes.

If medical care is given within 4½ hours of start of symptoms, clot-busting medications may be delivered through IV.

If medical care is given within approximately 6 hours of start of symptoms, intra-arterial (IA) clot-busting medications may be used. IAs are delivered directly to the clot through a catheter.

These therapies are not used for hemorrhagic strokes. Treatment for hemorrhagic stroke include efforts to slow or stop the bleeding.

Once you are stabilized and evaluated, management will shift to rehabilitation. The days and weeks after your first stroke may be an entirely new world to you. It will include hard work to recover or retrain function you lost, such as speech, walking, or the use of an arm or leg. Recovery can take days, weeks, or months. Rehabilitation can last years.

To achieve these goals, you will have a health care team that is made up of doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and other health professionals. It is important to maintain contact with your medical team, adhere to recommended treatment and rehabilitation, and go to any recommended appointments.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.